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...Jesus came near & went with them |
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Upcoming Events:
- Gathered to Scatter: Fresh Expressions
- Multifaith Earth Day Celebration
- Student Loan Repayment Webinar
- Faith Leaders Legislative Luncheon
- NWOS Border Immersion
- Youth Read Sacred Texts
- HeArt Gallery Community Garage Sale
- The Last Lectures
- ELCA Chaplain Corps
- Spiritual Exploration Discernment Retreat
- NWOS Summer Academy
- Party in the Parking Lot
- Ohio Summer Youth Retreat
- The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
- Listening to the Spirit-Spiritual Retreat
- Wild Goose Festival
Grant Opportunities:
Resources for Students:
Service and Sponsorship:
- Stock the Pantry
- Volunteer for LSS Choice Food Pantry
- YouthWorks Mission Trip to West Virginia
Coaching & Support:
- Leaderwise: Ministering to the Minister
Partner Updates:
- ELCA Disability Ministry
- ELCA Advocacy Lenten Series
- Global Refuge April Newsletter
Resource Sharing:
- Free Choir Robes - First, Stryker
Position Postings:
- Summer Staff - HopeWood Outdoors
- Office and Account Manager - Grace, Fremont
- Director of Music - Trinity, Findlay
- Church Musician - Messiah, Toledo
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Coordinator of Children, Youth & Family Ministry - Providence, Holland & Community of Christ, Whitehouse
- Organist - Zion, Sandusky
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Gathered to Scatter Conference
April 25 - 26, 2025
Zion Lutheran Church
503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky
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Our neighborhoods are aching for the good news of Jesus Christ. God wants to empower everyday churches to embody the Kingdom in everyday places.Learn how regular congregations are reimagining and reorganizing to bring hope into the cafés, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and common places we spend our days.
At Gathered to Scatter you will learn:
- To reach people who might never come to a traditional “Sunday” church
- To seize the opportunities your congregation has right now for greater impact without disrupting your existing church
- To develop and unleash motivated leaders even if you don’t have a big staff
While many leadership events are oriented around well-known speakers, Gathered to Scatter features practitioners who are deeply experienced in leading small- and mid-sized congregations into more vital futures. Their desire is to help you do the same.
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Multifaith Council Earth Day Block Party
April 27, 2025
Holy Trinity Lutheran
1825 Glendale, Toledo
| Come join us for a great multi-faith event to celebrate Earth Day! We will have many different organizations present and lots of fun kids activities. This year we will have a presentation on our world's changing climate, an opportunity to plant gardens and will have live music provided by the Root Cellar String Band! Hope to see you there! | | |
Student Loan Payment Webinar
April 29, 2025, 11:00 AM CST
| There have been a lot of announcements lately regarding federal student loans. As a result, you may be experiencing some confusion and asking a lot of questions. If you are currently employed by the churchwide organization, a synod, a congregation, or a non-profit organization, Resourceful Servants and Portico Benefit Services invite you to an online presentation and Q&A session with Kim Miller, Senior Program Manager for Partnerships and Financial Education at LSS Financial Counseling, on Tuesday, April 29 at 11:00am Central. Kim will share information about the changes in federal student loan repayment and answer your specific questions. The likelihood is that if you have a question, someone else does as well. To protect the privacy of the attendees, this session will NOT be recorded. If you are unable to make it and you would like to make a free appointment with a certified student loan counselor, please call 800.528.2926. In the meantime, Kim has prepared the below video which begins to tackle some of the issues that will be addressed in the presentation. | | |
3rd Annual Faith Leaders Legislative Luncheon
May 1, 2025 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Ohio Statehouse, Columbus
| Join the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Hunger Network in Ohio and Ohio Council of Churches for lunch at the Ohio Statehouse to discuss our call as people of faith to feed our neighbor. Speakers will include policy experts, people with lived experiences, as well as faith and legislative leaders lifting up the voices and stories of hungry Ohioans. | | |
NWOS Border Immersion Experience
November 5-9, 2025
Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX
Interest Form Open Now through May 1
| Are you interested in learning more about the reality of the immigration system at the U.S. southern border ? Considering joining a small group of NWOS rostered and lay folks traveling to New Mexico and Texas through a unique immersion by ELCA ministry Border Servant Corps. | | |
Community Garage Sale
May 3, 2025
St. Paul Lutheran Church
428 N Erie St, Toledo
| Rent a table and sell your goods, or shop for steals and deals! 35+ tables of indoor sales, with a DJ, Brunch 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and door prizes. Free parking in the Kwik Lot adjacent to the church. Email Kate by April 26 to rent a table! | | |
ELCA Chaplain Corps Info Meetings
May 16 or May 17, 2025
Columbus, OH
| The ELCA Chaplain Corps is the endorsing unit for all chaplains of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rev. Christopher Otten serves as Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Sr. Director of ELCA Chaplain Corps, alongside Michael Sonnenberg. Together they can guide you through the process of obtaining an Ecclesiastical Endorsement. Email Michael.Sonnenberg@ELCA.org for more information. | | |
Spiritual Exploration Discernment Retreat
May 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Peace Lutheran Church, Bowling Green
*Note Updated Location*
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Join Bishop Daniel Beaudoin and Synod Staff for this retreat time together. We will explore scripture, share our faith stories and spend time with a spiritual director who will help us focus and listen for where God may be calling us next. Lunch included!
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NWOS Summer Academy:
Faith, Grace & Tough Talks
June-August 2025
Lakeside Chataqua + Online Sessions
| Do find yourself challenged by the current socio-political-spiritual polarization of our culture and our church? Do you sometimes or often run into difficult conversations and situations that deplete you? NWOS staff have heard you and will host 24 synod leaders, Pastors, Deacons, SAMs, and Pastoral Leaders for a pilot program specially created as an intensive, next-level communication and deep listening skill-building this summer. | | |
Party in the Parking Lot
June 8, 2025 4:00-7:00 PM
St. Paul Lutheran Church
428 N Erie St, Toledo
| Youth groups and adult volunteers are invited to paint a mural in downtown Toledo! All materials will be supplied. Enjoy a DJ and food trucks on site. Join us for this urban painting experience. Email Kate with questions. | |
Ohio Summer Youth Retreat
June 29-July 2
HopeWood Pines-Marengo, Ohio
| Registration is now open for the Ohio Youth Retreat June 29th-July 2nd at HopeWood Pines - LMC. Youth entering grades 6 through 12 are invited to attend. This experience is open to all youth in Northwestern Ohio, Northeastern Ohio and Southern Ohio Synod. A team of youth leaders from each synod has been planning this exciting mini-week, and each synod is contributing to subsidizing the cost to keep this ecperience affordable at just $150 per youth. | |
The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
Minneapolis, August 13-15
The first gathering of The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy will take place in Minneapolis August 13-15; early-bird registration is now open. Under the theme Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing, the Seminar will host Pastors, Deacons, Musicians, and Seminarians to discuss liturgical formation in the ELCA in the evangelical catholic tradition. Plenary speakers include Max Johnson (University of Notre Dame), Ed Foley (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago), Audrey West (Lutheran School of Theology/Yale), and Lizette Larson-Miller (Diocese of Huron), as well as Daniel Schwandt, Kevin Vaughn, Andrew Schaeffer, and the Minnesota Boychoir as musicians.
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Listening to the Spirit - Spiritual Retreat
August 25-28, 2025
Spiritual Center of Maria Stein, Maria Stein, OH
Join us for a three-day, three-night Benedictine-style spiritual retreat for rostered leaders and SAMs. It offers plenty of quiet time for reflection, meditation, reading, and prayer plus morning, midday, and evening worship and daily eucharist. Contact Pastor Dave Westphal with questions at pastordavedelc@gmail.com.
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Wild Good Festival
August 28-31, VanHoy Farms and Campground
Join us at the 2025 Wild Goose Festival, a celebration of Spirit, Justice, Music and Art. Taking place August 28-31 at VanHoy Farms and Campground. The festival offers inspiring speakers, music, and workshops to deepen spiritual connection and community. Together, we’ll explore how faith intersects with action and transformation.
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Innovate! Grants
Open Now through May 1, 2025
For NWOS Congregations and Partners
A brand new grant opportunity for NWOS congregations! This round of Innovate! grants will accept applications for new and innovative project proposals through May 1. These grants are competitive, and six parishes will receive $4000 of funding for new projects that reach out to care for neighbors and share Jesus in innovative ways!
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Pierstorf College Fund
Application Now Open Through June 30, 2025
The Pierstorf College Fund is a one-of-a-kind financial aid program designed to support Lutheran students in Ohio pursuing a higher education. This program offers interest-free loans to full-time students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program at any accredited college or university. The maximum loanis $4,000 for the 2025-2026 school year.
This program is open to all Lutherans living in Ohio, whether they are new or returning students. No family income information is required, and the program strives to offer loans to every eligible Lutheran student. Since its founding in 1994, the Pierstorf College Fund has awarded over $14 million in loans, enabling students to focus on their studies without the burden of tuition costs.
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Stock the Shelves - Lutheran Social Services
Sponsorship Requested for May 16 Event
"Over the last four years, demand for our Lutheran Social Services Choice Food Pantry has quadrupled and is now serving close to 900 individuals every month. In 2024 alone, we helped more than 10,500 people with a five-day supply of food to help them fill their kitchen cabinets and put meals on their tables. That is over 157,000 meals served to children, adults and seniors---enough to nearly fill the Glass Bowl at the University of Toledo! While those numbers may be shocking, the need for food assistance is rising in 2025 as food banks across the nation are facing significant challenges due to funding cuts. At this current pace and without your help, our pantry will have to make sacrifices in the amount of food and/or the number of people we serve. That is why we are asking for your support with our Spring fundraiser for our LSS Choice Food Pantry, the Stock the Shelves event. Our goal is to raise $10,000 and secure more than 5000 pounds of food this year! Sponsorship details are attached. On May 16, 2025 we are inviting you to stop by our office located at 2149 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, where Lutheran Social Services staff and volunteers will be on hand to accept your monetary donation and/or a collection of non-perishable food directly from your vehicle. Just know, eggs, butter and milk are not in everyone’s refrigerator right now, so items that do not require these to be added would be appreciated (canned meats, canned vegetables, canned fruit, jiffy cake mixes & frosting, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, cereal to name a few) If you would like to join us with a gift, place a box at your work location, church etc. please complete the Sponsorship Form and email it back to Monique Ward our event chair at mward@lssnwo.org or to jhrovatich@luthmin.org."
The Stock the Shelves Committee
Monique, Debbie, Katie and Jeanette
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Volunteer with Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio needs volunteers!
"We are looking for volunteers to help serve in our Choice Food Pantry. We are open Tuesday and Thursday mornings and need help to keep our pantry running smoothly. If you would like to join our team and have a fun and rewarding experience, while serving the community, please contact Debbie at 419-243-9178 or by email. Thank you!"
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2025 Summer YouthWorks Trip to West Virginia
July 20-July 25, 2025
Logan County, WV
The youth and adult organizers of St. Peter Lutheran in Ridgeville Corners are looking for other parishes to partner with them on a summer mission trip for youth ages 8th grade through high school. The theme for the 2025 trip is: Dust "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." - John 13:15. We're all following something - let's work together and bring our love for Jesus into this community. Contact Pastor Mindy Elliott for more information at prmindy@rtecexpress.net.
| | Ministering to the Minister
| Regardless of where anyone stands on the political spectrum, it's safe to say that it's been difficult to lead in these times. We are offering you a menu of opportunities to support clergy, whether that clergyperson is you, someone in your care, or someone who you call "your pastor." We purposely put together a range of opportunities at a range of price points, so there is something for everyone. And, if you're needing something that just isn't here, please reach out to us! LeaderWise is called to walk alongside you, and in times like these, we feel our calling more deeply than ever. | | |
ELCA Disability Ministries
Working toward the full, just and equitable involvement of people living with disabilities in our congregations and in society by preparing leaders- equipping congregations- connecting people.
| | We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. Click above to receive alerts. Consider acting on two recent alerts: | As we seek to foster a world of just and welcoming communities. The below resources and links include educational resources, contact information, and ways you can engage in the work of welcome. | | |
Free Choir Robes - Adult & Child Sizes
First Lutheran Church, Stryker
First Lutheran Church in Stryker, Ohio has approximately 30 redish/burgandy adult choir robes that need a new home! We also have approximately 20 light blue children's choir robes and a few white robes available. Please email Jody with interest or questions.
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Apply to Work at HopeWood Camps in 2025!
Join the HopeWood Outdoors team and help create a welcoming community where faith and nature intersect. Transformative programs aim to cultivate growth, connection, and hope in a beautiful outdoor setting.
While camp counselors make a positive impact on campers’ lives, develop valuable skills for your future career, and deepen their faith in a fun and supportive community, there are so many other positions available! Young adults hold a variety of positions that support summer programming through logistical support and leadership from lifeguarding to serving as a maintenance assistant to assisting in the kitchen and offices. The Program Coordinator supervises and coordinates summer camp programs in a manner that ensures a safe and enriching experience for all campers, counselors, and guests. Any role you take at camp will empower our campers to have a great summer experience and empower you to explore your next steps in life’s journey.
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Office and Account Manager
Grace Lutheran, Fremont
Grace Lutheran in Fremont is searching for an Office & Account Manager who will serve as the lead administrator and financial representative for the congregation and its supporting ministries. They will efficiently manage and oversee the day to day operations of the church office including scheduling, filing, communications, and data entry as well as handling financial responsibilities such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and related bookkeeping data. Please direct any questions to Pastor CJ Bailey at pastorcbailey@gmail.com.
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Church Musician
Messiah Lutheran Church, Toledo
Messiah Lutheran Church, Toledo is currently seeking a church musician. This position requires the following abilities:
· To read sheet music.
· To play the organ and or piano.
· To provide appropriate music for a traditional Lutheran worship service along with the flexibility to incorporate contemporary worship music.
· To be willing to work alongside of the pastor and cantor.
· To be willing to work with a future seasonal choir.
· Be available for weekly Sunday morning service and special services.
The interested candidate should contact Pastor Mark Kuhlman to audition.
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Coord. of Children, Youth & Family Ministry
Providence, Holland & Community of Christ, Whitehouse
Providence, Holland & Community of Christ, Whitehouse are seeking a coordinator of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
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Organist
Zion Lutheran-Sandusky
This year-round position which involves essentially 2 Sunday services at 8 am and 10:30 am respectively along with our choir practice on Thursday evenings. We do not have choir during the summer months and so that lightens the load during the summer months. Please see the job description attached for more details. Email Lori Wobser, church administrator or call 419-625-2112.
| | If you have an announcement or an event that you would like to share throughout the synod, click below to access our submission form. Questions: news@nwos-elca.org | | | | |
